Adverse reactions to food that are not immune mediated are not considered to be food allergies. An example is lactose intolerance, which is caused by a deficiency of lactase. Adverse reactions to foods can also occur from toxic (eg, bacterial food poisoning) or pharmacologic (eg, caffeine) effects.
Food allergies are primarily the result of immune responses to food proteins. Although wheezing can occur during a food-allergic reaction, foods do not appear to be a common trigger for chronic asthma. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody–mediated responses are the most widely recognized form of food allergy and account for acute reactions.
For more on food allergies, read here.
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Cite this: Scott H. Sicherer. Fast Five Quiz: What Do You Know About Food Allergies? - Medscape - Nov 11, 2016.
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